George Washington (horse)
Encyclopedia
George Washington was a thoroughbred
racehorse foaled in Ireland
by champion sire Danehill
out of Bordighera, also the dam of the high class colt
Grandera. Bred by Roy and Gretchen Jackson, he was trained at Ballydoyle
by Aidan O'Brien
and owned by Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor
, Derrick Smith. George Washington suffered a dislocated ankle fracture during the Breeders' Cup Classic
at Monmouth Park on October 27, 2007 and was euthanized
. The horse was affectionately nicknamed 'Gorgeous George' by his followers, due to his startling beauty.
during the 2,000 Guineas meeting at Newmarket
on May 1, 2005. This ended in defeat, finishing third behind League Champion over 5 furlong
s (1,006 m).
Victory followed in his second race at the Curragh
three weeks later, this time over 6 furlongs (1207 m). Another win came in the Group II
Railway Stakes
, again over 6 furlongs (1207 m) at the Curragh.
The Group I
Phoenix Stakes
was next on the agenda, and George Washington won by 8 lengths from his stablemate Amadeus Mozart, despite having been slightly hampered at the start.
His final race as a two-year-old was in the National Stakes
in September, another Group 1, and although victorious he failed to impress many, winning by just 2 lengths as a long odds-on favourite. Although he was declared to run in the Dewhurst Stakes
the following month, he was withdrawn just minutes before the race after the ground was deemed unsuitable.
For his performances, George Washington was voted the 2005 Cartier Award for Two-Year-Old European Champion Colt
.
in 2002, and Footstepsinthesand in 2005. "George" started as 6/4 favourite and won the race impressively, beating subsequent Epsom Derby
winner Sir Percy
by 2½ lengths.
Breakdown of 2000 Guineas Stakes Race performances since the race
Disappointment followed in his next race, the Irish 2,000 Guineas, where he finished second, beaten 2 lengths by subsequent dual-Group 1 winner Araafa, who had been fourth at Newmarket
. George's trademark finishing acceleration was blunted by the heavy ground conditions, and following the race it emerged that he had torn his foreleg muscles, accounting for his loss.
Due to the 2,000 Guineas form holding up, "George's" rating has been lifted, and his performance in the 2,000 Guineas officially remained the 2nd best performance by a 3-year-old in the 2006 season, beaten only by his own win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
at Ascot
.
'George's' comeback in the Celebration Mile
was a somewhat disappointing one, finishing 3rd behind Caradak and Killybegs, but he missed the break badly under new jockey Michael Kinane
, starting some 8 lengths behind the eventual winner Caradak, and finishing only 1 length behind him at the finish.
The day before his main seasonal target, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
, heavy rain arrived and 14 mm of rain fell on Ascot racecourse. He was very easy to back (or saddle), and his place as favourite seemed somewhat uneasy. However, half an hour before the race, lots of money came in for him to cement his place as favourite, and was sent off at odds of 13/8. Two pacemakers were deployed by Ballydoyle
, and an incident occurred during the race between one of them the Seamus Heffernen ridden colt Ivan Denisovich and Frankie Dettori
's mount Librettist. "George" was travelling very easily throughout the race, and jockey Michael Kinane
didn't even have to ask him a question, scoring easily by a length and a quarter.
at Churchill Downs
had been decided upon about 2 weeks before the world famous event. A dominant miler, a victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile
would do very little for his stud fee. Despite being by a predominantly-turf sire Danehill
, his dam is Bordighera, who also foaled Grandera
, a victor of three G1. Kinane was declared to ride.
'George' travelled brilliantly throughout the race, cruising up just behind the leaders before the final turn. He came wide to make his challenge, but was bumped by the eventual winner Invasor
and lost momentum. Kinane reported that his stamina simply ran out, but the fact that he travelled so well on dirt was thought to boost his stud fee and also attract support from American
breeders.
Despite calls from jockey Mick Kinane
and various members of the press for 'George' to stay in training, he was officially retired and was due to stand at Coolmore
's Ireland
base for a fee of €60,000.
, a three-year-old colt who was being prepared to run in the 2,000 Guineas. Like George Washington, Holy Roman Emperor was sired by Danehill
, and was also trained by Aidan O'Brien. He had been a leading two-year-old in 2006 and was second favourite for the Guineas before the surprise announcement of his retirement.
in May but his return to the racecourse eventually came in the Queen Anne Stakes
at the Royal Ascot meeting at Ascot Racecourse
on June 19. He pulled hard going to the start in the early part of the race but eventually settled to finish in a close and fast-finishing fourth place behind Ramonti.
His second race of 2007 came in the Eclipse Stakes
at Sandown Park on July 7. He finished third, one and a half lengths and a head behind Notnowcato and the Epsom Derby
winner Authorized
. Authorized and George Washington raced with the majority of the field up the far rail and Authorized won that race by a head; Notnowcato
raced alone up the stands rail in search of better ground and beat them both.
Kieran Fallon was then reunited with George in the Group 1 Prix Du Moulin in September. The partnership proceeded to finish a fast finishing third to the high class filly Darjina and top class Godolphin horse Ramonti. Many observers felt that George had been left with too much to do flashing home off a slow pace having been up to eight lengths off the enterprisingly ridden winner at the two furlong (400m) pole.
George Washington was euthanized
on the track following an open fracture to the cannon bone and both sesamoid bone
s in the right front fetlock
while running in the Breeders Cup Classic at Monmouth Park on October 27, 2007, over a very muddy or "sloppy" track. According to Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, the on-call veterinarian
, George Washington had cut off all blood supply to his ankle but was quoted that no studies had been performed regarding a relationship between injuries and sloppy tracks. All other races that day were incident free.
Having been pulled up when well held at the sixteenth pole, George Washington was then euthanized on the track at the request of trainer Aidan O'Brien
. It was only his second start on dirt and his only start on a sloppy track.
in July 2010 and in 2011 finished third in the Listed
Lingfield Oaks Trial
.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
racehorse foaled in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
by champion sire Danehill
Danehill (horse)
Danehill was a Thoroughbred racehorse who was bred in the United States. During his phenomenal stud career Danehill became a champion sire on both sides of the Equator...
out of Bordighera, also the dam of the high class colt
Colt (horse)
A colt is a young male horse, under the age of four. The term "colt" is often confused with foal, which refers to a horse of either sex under one year of age....
Grandera. Bred by Roy and Gretchen Jackson, he was trained at Ballydoyle
Ballydoyle
Ballydoyle is a racehorse training facility located in County Tipperary in Ireland. It is a sister thoroughbred facility to Coolmore Stud, and both are owned by John Magnier...
by Aidan O'Brien
Aidan O'Brien
Aidan Patrick O'Brien is an Irish horse racing trainer. Since 1996, he has been the private trainer at Ballydoyle Stables near Cashel in County Tipperary for John Magnier and his Coolmore Stud associates....
and owned by Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor
Michael Tabor
Michael B. Tabor is a businessman and owner of Thoroughbred racehorses.-Thoroughbred racing career:...
, Derrick Smith. George Washington suffered a dislocated ankle fracture during the Breeders' Cup Classic
Breeders' Cup Classic
The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships...
at Monmouth Park on October 27, 2007 and was euthanized
Animal euthanasia
Animal euthanasia is the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, an animal suffering from an incurable, especially a painful, disease or condition. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress...
. The horse was affectionately nicknamed 'Gorgeous George' by his followers, due to his startling beauty.
Two-year-old career
George Washington's debut was in a maiden raceMaiden race horse
A Maiden race horse is the term that refers to a race horse that has yet to win a single race. The races are generally run for younger more inexperienced horses at two and three. However, many maidens never "break their maiden", and will continue to race at later ages, often retiring winless.Zippy...
during the 2,000 Guineas meeting at Newmarket
Newmarket Racecourse
The town of Newmarket, in Suffolk, England, is the headquarters of British horseracing, home to the largest cluster of training yards in the country and many key horse racing organisations. Newmarket Racecourse has two courses - the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide, galloping...
on May 1, 2005. This ended in defeat, finishing third behind League Champion over 5 furlong
Furlong
A furlong is a measure of distance in imperial units and U.S. customary units equal to one-eighth of a mile, equivalent to 220 yards, 660 feet, 40 rods, or 10 chains. The exact value of the furlong varies slightly among English-speaking countries....
s (1,006 m).
Victory followed in his second race at the Curragh
Curragh Racecourse
The Curragh Racecourse, usually abbreviated to The Curragh, is Ireland's most important Thoroughbred race track. It is situated on the Curragh plain near Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland.- History :...
three weeks later, this time over 6 furlongs (1207 m). Another win came in the Group II
Graded stakes race
A graded stakes race is a term applied since 1973 by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to thoroughbred horse races in the United States and Canada to describe races that derive their name from the stake, or entry fee, owners must pay...
Railway Stakes
Railway Stakes (Ireland)
The Railway Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbreds. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July....
, again over 6 furlongs (1207 m) at the Curragh.
The Group I
Conditions races
Conditions races are horse races where the weights carried by the runners are laid down by the conditions attached to the race. Weights are allocated according to; the sex of the runners, with female runners carrying less weight than males; the age of the runners, with younger horses receiving...
Phoenix Stakes
Phoenix Stakes
The Phoenix Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July or August.-History:...
was next on the agenda, and George Washington won by 8 lengths from his stablemate Amadeus Mozart, despite having been slightly hampered at the start.
His final race as a two-year-old was in the National Stakes
National Stakes
The National Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September....
in September, another Group 1, and although victorious he failed to impress many, winning by just 2 lengths as a long odds-on favourite. Although he was declared to run in the Dewhurst Stakes
Dewhurst Stakes
The Dewhurst Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October.The event was established in 1875, and it...
the following month, he was withdrawn just minutes before the race after the ground was deemed unsuitable.
For his performances, George Washington was voted the 2005 Cartier Award for Two-Year-Old European Champion Colt
Cartier Racing Award
The Cartier Racing Awards are awards in European horse racing, founded in 1991, and sponsored by Cartier jewelers. The award winners are decided by points earned in group races plus the votes cast by British racing journalists and readers of the Racing Post and Daily Telegraph newspapers.Eight...
.
Three-year-old career
The 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket was his first outing of the season. Aidan O'Brien was attempting to win the race for a fourth time, having previously won with King of Kings in 1998, Rock of GibraltarRock of Gibraltar (horse)
Rock of Gibraltar is a Champion racehorse and stallion owned by Coolmore, for whom he currently stands in Ireland and Australia .He is named after the Rock of Gibraltar, a monolithic limestone promontory located in Gibraltar on...
in 2002, and Footstepsinthesand in 2005. "George" started as 6/4 favourite and won the race impressively, beating subsequent Epsom Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
winner Sir Percy
Sir Percy
Sir Percy is a race horse foaled on January 27, 2003, winner of the 2006 Epsom Derby.-Breeding and pedigree:Sir Percy was bred by Harry Ormesher at the Old Suffolk Stud in Hundon, Suffolk. His sire Mark of Esteem won the 1996 2,000 Guineas, his dam Percy's Lass won the Group 3 September Stakes in...
by 2½ lengths.
Breakdown of 2000 Guineas Stakes Race performances since the race
| Placing | Name | Subsequent race(s) and placing | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Sir Percy Sir Percy Sir Percy is a race horse foaled on January 27, 2003, winner of the 2006 Epsom Derby.-Breeding and pedigree:Sir Percy was bred by Harry Ormesher at the Old Suffolk Stud in Hundon, Suffolk. His sire Mark of Esteem won the 1996 2,000 Guineas, his dam Percy's Lass won the Group 3 September Stakes in... |
1st in the Epsom Derby Epsom Derby The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies... , 4th in Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic. |
Various | 1 mile 4 furlongs (2414 m) |
| 4th | Araafa | 1st in St. James's Palace Stakes St. James's Palace Stakes The St. James's Palace Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.... , Irish 2,000 Guineas, and 2nd in QE2 |
Various | 1 mile (1609 m) |
| 6th | Final Verse | 1st in Listed race and injured since | Goodwood Goodwood Racecourse Goodwood Racecourse is a horse-racing track five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, in England controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, whose seat is nearby Goodwood House... |
1 mile (1609 m) |
| 7th | Amadeus Wolf | Won Group 2 Duke of York Stakes ,6 furlongs, 5 High placings in 5 Group 1 sprints | Various | 5/6 furlongs (1006/1207 m) |
| 9th | Asset | 2nd in Jersey Stakes | Ascot Ascot Racecourse Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races... |
7 furlongs (1408 m) |
| 11th | Killybegs | 2nd in Celebration Mile Celebration Mile The Celebration Mile is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late August.... , 4th in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Queen Elizabeth II Stakes The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race... |
Goodwood, Ascot | 1 mile (1609 m) |
| 12th | Red Clubs | 1st in Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup (Haydock Pk) 6 furlongs, 1st in Group 2 Diadem Stakes (Ascot) 6 furlongs. | 2nd in the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes 6 furlongs, 3rd in the Group 1 July Cup 6 furlongs, 4th in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes 5 furlongs and the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes 6 furlongs. | 5/6 furlongs (1006/1207 m) |
| 13th | Frost Giant | 1st in Group 3 | Leopardstown Leopardstown Leopardstown is a district in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County, Ireland, located at the foot of the Dublin Mountains. A residential suburb of the greater Dublin area, it is divided by the course of the M50 motorway, and adjoins the neighbouring areas of Sandyford, Stepaside, Ballyogan, Foxrock and... |
1 mile 2 furlongs (2012 m) |
Disappointment followed in his next race, the Irish 2,000 Guineas, where he finished second, beaten 2 lengths by subsequent dual-Group 1 winner Araafa, who had been fourth at Newmarket
Newmarket Racecourse
The town of Newmarket, in Suffolk, England, is the headquarters of British horseracing, home to the largest cluster of training yards in the country and many key horse racing organisations. Newmarket Racecourse has two courses - the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide, galloping...
. George's trademark finishing acceleration was blunted by the heavy ground conditions, and following the race it emerged that he had torn his foreleg muscles, accounting for his loss.
Due to the 2,000 Guineas form holding up, "George's" rating has been lifted, and his performance in the 2,000 Guineas officially remained the 2nd best performance by a 3-year-old in the 2006 season, beaten only by his own win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race...
at Ascot
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
.
'George's' comeback in the Celebration Mile
Celebration Mile
The Celebration Mile is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late August....
was a somewhat disappointing one, finishing 3rd behind Caradak and Killybegs, but he missed the break badly under new jockey Michael Kinane
Michael Kinane
Michael J. Kinane is a former flat racing jockey. He had a 34-year career, retiring on 8 December 2009....
, starting some 8 lengths behind the eventual winner Caradak, and finishing only 1 length behind him at the finish.
The day before his main seasonal target, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race...
, heavy rain arrived and 14 mm of rain fell on Ascot racecourse. He was very easy to back (or saddle), and his place as favourite seemed somewhat uneasy. However, half an hour before the race, lots of money came in for him to cement his place as favourite, and was sent off at odds of 13/8. Two pacemakers were deployed by Ballydoyle
Ballydoyle
Ballydoyle is a racehorse training facility located in County Tipperary in Ireland. It is a sister thoroughbred facility to Coolmore Stud, and both are owned by John Magnier...
, and an incident occurred during the race between one of them the Seamus Heffernen ridden colt Ivan Denisovich and Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
's mount Librettist. "George" was travelling very easily throughout the race, and jockey Michael Kinane
Michael Kinane
Michael J. Kinane is a former flat racing jockey. He had a 34-year career, retiring on 8 December 2009....
didn't even have to ask him a question, scoring easily by a length and a quarter.
Breeders' Cup Classic
A tilt at the Breeders' Cup ClassicBreeders' Cup Classic
The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships...
at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs...
had been decided upon about 2 weeks before the world famous event. A dominant miler, a victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile
Breeders' Cup Mile
The Breeders' Cup Mile is a Grade 1 Weight for Age stakes race for thoroughbred racehorses three years old and up, run on a grass course. It has been conducted annually as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships since the event's inception in 1984...
would do very little for his stud fee. Despite being by a predominantly-turf sire Danehill
Danehill (horse)
Danehill was a Thoroughbred racehorse who was bred in the United States. During his phenomenal stud career Danehill became a champion sire on both sides of the Equator...
, his dam is Bordighera, who also foaled Grandera
Grandera
Grandera is a retired Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire who was bred in Ireland and trained in the United Kingdom and Dubai during a racing career which lasted from 2000 to 2003...
, a victor of three G1. Kinane was declared to ride.
'George' travelled brilliantly throughout the race, cruising up just behind the leaders before the final turn. He came wide to make his challenge, but was bumped by the eventual winner Invasor
Invasor (horse)
Invasor is a Thoroughbred racehorse bred in Argentina by Haras Clausan. The winner of the 2005 Triple Crown in Uruguay, he was later purchased by Sheik Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum who paid approximately USD 1.4 million for the horse...
and lost momentum. Kinane reported that his stamina simply ran out, but the fact that he travelled so well on dirt was thought to boost his stud fee and also attract support from American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
breeders.
Despite calls from jockey Mick Kinane
Michael Kinane
Michael J. Kinane is a former flat racing jockey. He had a 34-year career, retiring on 8 December 2009....
and various members of the press for 'George' to stay in training, he was officially retired and was due to stand at Coolmore
Coolmore Stud
Coolmore Stud, in Fethard, South Tipperary in Ireland, is the world's largest breeding operation of thoroughbred racehorses. It was established in 1975....
's Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
base for a fee of €60,000.
Fertility problems
On March 10, 2007 it was reported that Coolmore had suspended George Washington's stud career due to fertility problems. The decision was taken to replace him at stud with Holy Roman EmperorHoly Roman Emperor (horse)
Holy Roman Emperor, sired by Danehill out of a Secretariat mare, was a leading two-year-old winning four races from seven runs racehorse in Europe in 2006...
, a three-year-old colt who was being prepared to run in the 2,000 Guineas. Like George Washington, Holy Roman Emperor was sired by Danehill
Danehill (horse)
Danehill was a Thoroughbred racehorse who was bred in the United States. During his phenomenal stud career Danehill became a champion sire on both sides of the Equator...
, and was also trained by Aidan O'Brien. He had been a leading two-year-old in 2006 and was second favourite for the Guineas before the surprise announcement of his retirement.
Return to training
On March 25, 2007 it was announced that George Washington had returned to training at Aidan O'Brien's stable. He was initially entered for the Tattersalls Gold CupTattersalls Gold Cup
The Tattersalls Gold Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 110 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
in May but his return to the racecourse eventually came in the Queen Anne Stakes
Queen Anne Stakes
The Queen Anne Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
at the Royal Ascot meeting at Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
on June 19. He pulled hard going to the start in the early part of the race but eventually settled to finish in a close and fast-finishing fourth place behind Ramonti.
His second race of 2007 came in the Eclipse Stakes
Eclipse Stakes
The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event is named after Eclipse, a...
at Sandown Park on July 7. He finished third, one and a half lengths and a head behind Notnowcato and the Epsom Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
winner Authorized
Authorized (horse)
Authorized is an Irish-bred and British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse, winner of the 2007 Epsom Derby.-Background:...
. Authorized and George Washington raced with the majority of the field up the far rail and Authorized won that race by a head; Notnowcato
Notnowcato
Notnowcato is a retired Thoroughbred racehorse and active sire, bred and trained in the United Kingdom. He won several important races in a career which lasted from 2004 to 2007, but is best known for his victory in the 2007 Eclipse Stakes.-Background:...
raced alone up the stands rail in search of better ground and beat them both.
Kieran Fallon was then reunited with George in the Group 1 Prix Du Moulin in September. The partnership proceeded to finish a fast finishing third to the high class filly Darjina and top class Godolphin horse Ramonti. Many observers felt that George had been left with too much to do flashing home off a slow pace having been up to eight lengths off the enterprisingly ridden winner at the two furlong (400m) pole.
George Washington was euthanized
Animal euthanasia
Animal euthanasia is the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, an animal suffering from an incurable, especially a painful, disease or condition. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress...
on the track following an open fracture to the cannon bone and both sesamoid bone
Sesamoid bone
In anatomy, a sesamoid bone is a bone embedded within a tendon.Sesamoids are found in locations where a tendon passes over a joint, such as the hand, knee, and foot. Functionally, they act to protect the tendon and to increase its mechanical effect. The presence of the sesamoid bone holds the...
s in the right front fetlock
Fetlock
Fetlock is the common name for the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of horses, large animals, and sometimes dogs. It is formed by the junction of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bones proximad and the proximal phalanx distad...
while running in the Breeders Cup Classic at Monmouth Park on October 27, 2007, over a very muddy or "sloppy" track. According to Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, the on-call veterinarian
Veterinarian
A veterinary physician, colloquially called a vet, shortened from veterinarian or veterinary surgeon , is a professional who treats disease, disorder and injury in animals....
, George Washington had cut off all blood supply to his ankle but was quoted that no studies had been performed regarding a relationship between injuries and sloppy tracks. All other races that day were incident free.
Having been pulled up when well held at the sixteenth pole, George Washington was then euthanized on the track at the request of trainer Aidan O'Brien
Aidan O'Brien
Aidan Patrick O'Brien is an Irish horse racing trainer. Since 1996, he has been the private trainer at Ballydoyle Stables near Cashel in County Tipperary for John Magnier and his Coolmore Stud associates....
. It was only his second start on dirt and his only start on a sloppy track.
Racing career
| Date | Race | Track | Location | Distance | Surface | Condition | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2005 | Maiden Maiden Maiden or Maidens may refer to:* A female virgin; see virginity* Maiden name, the family name carried by a woman before marriage; see married and maiden names* Maiden, the first of the three aspects of the Triple Goddess... |
Newmarket Newmarket Racecourse The town of Newmarket, in Suffolk, England, is the headquarters of British horseracing, home to the largest cluster of training yards in the country and many key horse racing organisations. Newmarket Racecourse has two courses - the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide, galloping... (Rowley Mile) |
Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in East Anglia, England. It has borders with Norfolk to the north, Cambridgeshire to the west and Essex to the south. The North Sea lies to the east... |
5 furlongs (1006 m) | Turf | Good-Firm | 3rd |
| May 22, 2005 | Maiden Maiden Maiden or Maidens may refer to:* A female virgin; see virginity* Maiden name, the family name carried by a woman before marriage; see married and maiden names* Maiden, the first of the three aspects of the Triple Goddess... |
Curragh Curragh Racecourse The Curragh Racecourse, usually abbreviated to The Curragh, is Ireland's most important Thoroughbred race track. It is situated on the Curragh plain near Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland.- History :... |
Ireland Ireland Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth... |
6 furlongs (1207 m) | Turf | Yielding | 1st |
| June 26, 2005 | Group 2 Railway Stakes Railway Stakes (Ireland) The Railway Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbreds. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July.... |
Curragh | Ireland | 6 furlongs (1207 m) | Turf | Good-Firm | 1st |
| August 7, 2005 | Group 1 Phoenix Stakes Phoenix Stakes The Phoenix Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July or August.-History:... |
Curragh | Ireland | 6 furlongs (1207 m) | Turf | Good | 1st |
| September 18, 2005 | Group 1 National Stakes National Stakes The National Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.... |
Curragh | Ireland | 7 furlongs (1408 m) | Turf | Good | 1st |
| May 6, 2006 | Group 1 2,000 Guineas | Newmarket (Rowley Mile) | Suffolk | 1 mile (1609 m) | Turf | Good-Firm | 1st |
| May 27, 2006 | Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas | Curragh | Ireland | 1 mile (1609 m) | Turf | Heavy | 2nd |
| August 27, 2006 | Group 2 Celebration Mile Celebration Mile The Celebration Mile is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late August.... |
Goodwood Goodwood Racecourse Goodwood Racecourse is a horse-racing track five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, in England controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, whose seat is nearby Goodwood House... |
West Sussex West Sussex West Sussex is a county in the south of England, bordering onto East Sussex , Hampshire and Surrey. The county of Sussex has been divided into East and West since the 12th century, and obtained separate county councils in 1888, but it remained a single ceremonial county until 1974 and the coming... |
1 mile (1609 m) | Turf | Good | 3rd |
| September 23, 2006 | Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Queen Elizabeth II Stakes The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race... |
Ascot Ascot Racecourse Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races... |
Berkshire Berkshire Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and... |
1 mile (1609 m) | Turf | Good-Soft | 1st |
| November 4, 2006 | Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Classic Breeders' Cup Classic The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships... |
Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Churchill Downs, located in Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs... |
Louisville, Kentucky Louisville, Kentucky Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096... |
1 1/4 miles (2012 m) | Dirt | Fast | 6th |
| June 19, 2007 | Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes Queen Anne Stakes The Queen Anne Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.... |
Ascot Ascot Racecourse Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races... |
Berkshire Berkshire Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and... |
1 mile (1609 m) | Turf | Good | 4th |
| July 7, 2007 | Group 1 Eclipse Stakes Eclipse Stakes The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event is named after Eclipse, a... |
Sandown Park | Surrey Surrey Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of... |
1 1/4 mile (2012 m) | Turf | Good-Soft | 3rd |
| September 9, 2007 | Group 1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp Prix du Moulin de Longchamp The Prix du Moulin de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older... |
Longchamp Racecourse | France France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... |
1 mile (1609 m) | Turf | Good | 3rd |
| October 27, 2007 | Group 1 Breeders' Cup Classic Breeders' Cup Classic The Breeders' Cup Classic is a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race for 3 year olds and older run at a distance of 1¼ miles on dirt. It is held annually at a different racetrack as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships... |
Monmouth Park | Oceanport, New Jersey Oceanport, New Jersey Oceanport is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 5,832.Oceanport was formed as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 6, 1920, from portions of Eatontown Township , based on the results of a... |
1 1/4 mile (2012 m) | Dirt | Sloppy | DNF - Fractured and Dislocated Right Front Ankle - Euthanized on track |
Only foal sired by George Washington
A George Washington filly was born at the Irish National Stud on Feb. 4 2008. This foal, out of the mare Flawlessly (FR), sold for 280,000 Euros to Gildawn Stud at Goffs November Foal Sale on 21 November 2008. This filly was offered for sale again during Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale at Tattersalls, Newmarket, October 6–8, 2009. She was bought by Ross Doyle for 320,000gns on behalf of Julie Wood, and went into training to Richard Hannon. The filly, named 'Date with Destiny' won on her debut at NewburyNewbury Racecourse
Newbury Racecourse is a racecourse in the civil parish of Greenham, adjoining the town of Newbury in Berkshire, England. It has courses for flat races and over jumps...
in July 2010 and in 2011 finished third in the Listed
Conditions races
Conditions races are horse races where the weights carried by the runners are laid down by the conditions attached to the race. Weights are allocated according to; the sex of the runners, with female runners carrying less weight than males; the age of the runners, with younger horses receiving...
Lingfield Oaks Trial
Lingfield Oaks Trial
The Lingfield Oaks Trial is a Listed flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Lingfield Park over a distance 1 mile, 3 furlongs and 106 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
.